Monday April 20th, 2026

    Last update 09:35 BST

      Your genial hosts: Niall and Biffa


Next Match

 

Arsenal
Premier League

Emirates Stadium
Saturday 25th April
Kick-off 5.30pm
Live on Sky Sports
Last Match

 

Newcastle 1
Bournemouth 2
Premier League

St. James' Park
Saturday 18th April
Match report to follow

The Never-Ending Tour

  Number of Newcastle
  games attended by
  NUFC.com in 2025/26:

97

.

alt  

 

Arsenal (a) SOLD OUT
Brighton (h)
ST forwarding/resale now
Forest (a) Seat selections open now (37-43 points)

West Ham
(h) ST forwarding/resale now
Fulham (a)  Applications open Mon 20.04, 2pm

Premier League:
Lost cause

Newcastle  1  Bournemouth  2

Saturday saw Newcastle suffer their fifth defeat in the last six Premier League home games; Bournemouth following Aston Villa, Brentford, Everton and the mackems by netting late second half goals and leaving with maximum points.

Eddie Howe's eighth successive failure to beat his former club was the latest blow in his side's attempts to salvage a season that has gone increasingly awry since the Cherries were beaten here in the FA Cup back in January.

Both sets of fans gave vocal support to their respective managers here today, but despite news of his close season exit breaking this week, it was visiting boss Andoni Iraola whose game plan was executed by his players as they extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

That's in stark contrast to a muddled, toothless display by a Newcastle side showing three changes to that similarly undressed by Crystal Palace last weekend. If we had a strategy at all, it was lost in a display from a side that appears to have forgotten how to play football.

One of those changes saw Anthony Gordon omitted from the matchday squad, but that was reportedly due to injury rather than being one of the players Howe said would be dropped if he thought they weren't 100% committed.

Aside from an early effort from Harvey Barnes that was narrowly off-target, the hosts offered nothing in front of goal and fell behind to the first cohesive attacking move Bournemouth managed.

That came just after the half hour mark, when Rayan got past Lewis Hall and pulled the ball back from the right wing for Marcus Tavernier to walk the ball home from close in.

A rerun of that move five minutes before the interval should have brought a second goal for the Cherries, but Alex Scott's centre was somehow missed by Evanilson right in front of goal.

Dorde Petrovic then saved his side from close range following a free kick, but that wasn't enough to prevent home fans booing their black and whites off at the break.

Kieran Trippier replaced Lewis Hall ahead of the second half and attempted to open up a supply line of crosses from the left that had been conspicuously absent while the wasteful Anthony Elanga was on the field.
 
The return of Bruno Guimaraes from a 12 match absence lifted the mood when he appeared midway through the second half - and within six minutes his side had levelled, William Osula's goal surviving an offside flag and VAR review that noted an inadvertent assist by a visiting player.

Hopes that the Magpies would go on to claim victory would prove false however; a continuation of their carelessness on the ball and unwillingness to shoot undermining attempts to find a second goal. They also lost the services of Tino Livramento, who limped off to be replaced by Dan Burn.

Almost inevitably though, they would be caught out with five minutes of normal time remaining: Adrien Truffert starting and finishing the move with a shot from close range. 

United's last chance of salvaging a point went when Bruno was denied by Petrovic's foot at his near post in the third minute of nine added on, due to Bournemouth's time-wasting.

Lingering thoughts of European qualification of some sort are rapidly turning to glances at the sides below us in the table - and gratitude that we look to have scraped together just enough points to remain clear of the drop zone.

Five games left in a season that cannot now finish quickly enough; a manager, a squad and a fanbase for whom discontent feels like the only common factor at present.

Howe spoke of wanting to fight until the very end, but too many of his players now seem more interested only in the conclusion.

More to follow....

Team: Ramsdale, Livramento (Burn 74), Hall (Trippier 46), Botman, Thiaw, Ramsey (Guimaraes 62), Tonali (Woltemade 86), L.Miley, Barnes, Elanga (J.Murphy 62), Osula.
Subs n/u: Pope, Wissa, A.Murphy, Willock.

Goal: Osula 68

Booked: Botman, J.Murphy

AFCB:
Petrovic, Jimenez, Truffert, Senesi, Hill, Scott, Christie (Adams 65), Rayan (Gannon-Doak 78), Kroupi (Brooks 66), Tavernier (Toth 89), Evanilson (Unal 89).
Subs n/u: Adli, Diakite, Mandas, Smith.

Booked: Christie, Tavernier, Scott, Petrovic.

Goals: Tavernier 32, Truffert 85

Crowd: 52,109
- the Cherries took 1,726 tickets.

Referee: Tom Bramall - third PL game involving Newcastle this season for the Sheffield whistler, after the 2-2 home draw with Spurs and 1-2 loss at Manchester City.

Bramall was also in charge of the FA Cup meeting between United and Bournemouth in January.

VAR:
Matt Donohue

Eddie H
owe said:

"
I don’t think it was us at our best. I thought it was quite even between the goals. I don’t think there was a lot in it.

"They are obviously on a good run of form and playing with confidence. We are on the opposite end of that.

"That probably balanced out a performance where they were more productive in front of goal than we were. Ultimately, that was what decided the game.

“It is (flat at St James’ Park) but it is understandable given the recent run of form that we are on. The way that we are playing isn’t to our normal standard.

"You have to understand the rough and the smooth and take both sides of that. We are not delivering what we want and we have to accept that.

"I’m beginning to say the same things as well and that’s a huge frustration for all of us and that’s the players feeling that frustration as much as anyone else.

"I think the late goals, there was no reason for that to happen today.

"The big moment of the game goes against us and there’s a couple of big actions in that goal. We lose headers, we lose our runner, we let a cross come in the box, that’s been systematic of what’s happened in recent games.

"My belief in myself can’t waver and it’s not.

"I think that is in every moment, good moments where I try to stay level and calm and don’t believe the hype. It has to work in reverse the other way where I have to retain a belief in my work and my staff and what I do.”

On whether negativity had filtered through to his players:

"That’s a difficult one for me to answer because I’m not part of that conversation, I’m detached from it.

"I would very much doubt it, but I couldn’t categorically tell you that that’s not the case.

"What I will say is that what I see from the players is total commitment. I know the media will have different stories coming out at different times – I think that comes with the territory, as I’ve said many times, with us currently.

"It’s not something I want or encourage. I want players totally fixed and here emotionally and physically because I think you can’t do both.

"You’re either in or you’re out, there is no middle ground for me, so if that is the case with one or two players, that would be hugely disappointing, but I can’t give you any firm narrative either way because I’m not involved in those conversations.

"No-one has said anything contrary to that to me personally.”

On whether all of the players share his commitment:

"I'm hesitating because I'm speaking on behalf of other people and that's very difficult to do.

"I believe they do and from what I see on the training ground, I don't see any sense of poor attitude or poor commitment to their work. I see a group of players that are always giving their all.

"Of course we all need to give more, the players need to give more, I need to give more, to turn the results around."

On Livramento and Gordon:

"
For Tino, that’s a huge blow for him and for us. I actually thought that Kieran’s (Trippier) introduction at the start of the second half made us stronger, but then losing him was a big blow.

"He (Gordon) missed training on Thursday and Friday with a problem he picked up on Wednesday. So, we knew he wasn’t going to be ready. It was an injury. He went for a scan on Thursday morning, so we knew it was going to be an injury that was going to take him out of the game.

“We’re unclear when he’ll be back. We don’t think it’s a long-term injury, but whether he makes next week, we don’t know. We’ll have to see how he goes this week in training.”

Stats: 

William Osula
netted his fifth PL goal for the Magpies, four of which have come this season. That tally of five matches current colleague Sandro Tonali and former Magpies Malcolm Allen, Darren Ambrose, Nicky Butt, Jack Colback, Emre and Lomana LuaLua.

Cherries in Toon - all-time:

2025/26
lost 1-2 Osula
2025/26
drew 3-3 Barnes 2, Gordon (FA) (won 7-6 pens)
2024/25
lost 1-4 Guimaraes (PL)
2023/24 drew 2-2 Gordon pen, Ritchie (PL)
2022/23 won 1-0 og (LC)
2022/23 drew 1-1 Isak (pen) (PL)
2019/20 won 2-1 Yedlin, Clark (PL)
2018/19 won 2-1 Rondon 2 (PL)
2017/18 lost 0-1 (PL)
2015/16 lost 1-3 Perez (PL)
1991/92 drew 2-2 Hunt 2 (FA) (lost 3-4 pens)
1989/90 won 3-0 Anderson, Quinn 2 (D2)
1972/73 won 2-0 Macdonald, og (FA)

Latest PL results/fixture:


Sat 18.04.2026:
Brentford 0-0 Fulham
Leeds United 3-0 Wolves
Newcastle 1-2 Bournemouth
Spurs 2-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United

Sun 19.04.2026:
Aston Villa 4-3 mackems
Everton 1-2 Liverpool
Nottingham Forest 4-1 Burnley
Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal

Mon 20.04.2026:
Crystal Palace v West Ham (8pm) Sky

U18s:
Another Derby defeat  

Derby County U18s  3  Newcastle U18s  1

United's U18 side slipped to defeat at Derby's Oakwood Academy on Saturday, with Alfie Seldon on target.

All the goals came after the interval with County's Kieran Clarke getting the first in the 52nd minute before Remi Harvey doubled the lead after 70 minutes.

Seldon pulled one back in the 84th minute but Zanye Blake sealed the home win in the first minute of added time.

Team: Dowell, Bloomer, McPartland (Patterson 74), Epia, Johnson, M.Miley, Hutchison (Gilligan 61), Ferreira, O'Donovan (Seldon 60), Mills, Wooster (Benjamin 78).
Sub n/u: Holland.

Booked: M.Miley.


There was a competitive U18 debut for Theo Benjamin, son of Trevor, who played Premier League football for Leicester City during a lengthy career. Like his father, 15 year-old Theo is a striker.

Update:
Loan lads


Trevan Sanusi (Lorient):
Saturday saw Lorient record a 2-0 home success against Marseille in Ligue 1, but Trevan was nowhere to be seen.

Harrison Ashby/Joe White (Bradford City):
No sign of Joe again but Harrison arrived as a 66th minute replacement during Saturday's 2-2 draw at Barnsley.

With three games remaining, the Bantams sit fourth in League One and on course for a promotion playoff place.

Charlie McArthur (Airdrieonians):
Another 90 minute shift for Charlie on Saturday as his current side shared four goals at home to Partick Thistle in the Scottish Championship.


Max Thompson (Ayr United):

The Honest Men lost 1-2 at Ross County in the Scottish Championship on Saturday but Max wasn't in the squad, reportedly due to injury.


Matt Targett (Middlesbrough):
A 2-2 draw at Ipswich Town on Sunday saw the Tractor Boys reclaim the second automatic promotion place but playoff-bound Boro make seven games without victory.

Matt played the full game at the cost of a booking.

Antonio Cordero (Cadiz)

Relegation for Cadiz from La Liga 2 moved one step closer after a 0-3 defeat at Gijon on Sunday - their fifth loss in  succession making it just four points from a possible 42.

With six games lefy, they remain fifth bottom, three points clear of the fourth and final relegation position.

Antonio started but was withdrawn at half time.


Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):

Levante (a) La Liga, Thursday.

Travis Hernes (Groningen):

Feyenoord (a) Eredivisie Saturday.


2026/27:
Sky Blue success

A 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Friday night was enough to confirm promotion to the Premier League for Coventry City, who were last in the top flight back in 2000/01.

Although Newcastle have played both in both the League Cup and Championship at the CBS Arena, next season will mark their PL debut there: previous meetings with the Sky Blues taking place at their former Highfield Road home.

That will make the CBS Arena the 62nd different venue that the Magpies have played at in the PL, with promotion for either Millwall or Wrexham further increasing that total.

As to who joins Coventry, it may take until the final round of games on Saturday May 2nd for the second team gaining automatic promotion to be confirmed, as well as the four going on to contest the playoffs.

The latter concludes at Wembley on Saturday May 23rd - the day before Newcastle's season closer at Fulham.

2025/26:
PL fixture update

Sat 25.04.2026 Arsenal (a) 5.30pm Sky
Friday finally saw the Premier League confirm that the amended kick-off time for our visit to the Emirates will remain unchanged.

Sun 17.05.2026 tbc West Ham (h) 3pm tbc
All PL fixtures that weekend are provisionally listed as Sun 17.05.2026, with Sat 16.05.2026 set aside exclusively for the FA Cup Final to be played at Wembley.

West Ham's FA Cup quarter-final defeat means that our fixture can take place over that weekend, but depending on the live TV selections could still be played on Fri 15.05.2026, Sun 17.05.2026 or Mon 18.05.2026.

PL games are also set to be played on Tue 19.05.2026, but it's expected that those only will be the ones postponed due to teams involved playing in the FA Cup Final.

Although PL's guidance stated that the live TV selections for that weekend would be available on Wed 08.04, the FSA (Football Supporters Association) spotted that this section of the PL website was sneakily amended to read:

Post-FA Cup semi-finals: FA Cup semi-finals take place on 25-26 April. This is to avoid further amendments to Premier League matches scheduled for the same weekend.

2026/27:
Season ticket waiting
list announced

 
Thursday saw NUFC confirm that a season ticket waiting list is to be introduced ahead of next season, with a minimum of 250 places made available.

Entry to the waiting list is restricted to club members, who can sign up between Mon 18.05.2026 and Sun 31.05.2026.

A ballot will then take place with entrants placed in priority groups according to criteria set by the club. Ballot winners can then purchase season tickets from Wed 10.06.2026.

While the purchase of a 2026/27 membership isn't required to join the waiting list, anyone who doesn't win this ballot would need to continue paying for membership in order to maintain their place in the queue for future ST releases.

While the minimum figure of 250 for this year is set, there's no mention of how many STs will be offered thereafter.

Full details online here


Premier League
:
Fulham (a)

Latest ticket news for United's final PL away game:

Fulham (a)
ST holder applications open Mon 20.04.2026, 2pm
ST holder applications close Tue 21.04.2026, 2pm
Seat selections open Wed 22.04.2026, 2pm
Seat selections close Fri 24.04.2026, 2pm

Allocation: 2,701 (400 more than 2024/25)

Update:
Toon in the USA


Newcastle pair Les Yeutembip and Jayden Kouossu both started for England U16s on Thursday, as they played their opening game in the Vertex Cup in the USA.

Midfielder Kouosso gave the young Lions a half time lead against the hosts in Miami, but the USA levelled and went on to win 5-4 on penalties - neither Magpie taking a penalty.

Next up for England are games against Argentina on Sunday and Mexico next Wednesday.

Incoming:
Johan joins: official

Update: Ecuador lost 1-3 to Argentina in the Semi-final of the South American U17 Championships on Thursday. Martinez wasn't on the scoresheet.

Despite that though, they have qualified for the U17 World Cup Finals, staged this November in Qatar.

From NUFC, Tuesday:

Newcastle United have completed a deal to sign Ecuadorian winger Johan Martinez from Independiente del Valle.

The 16-year-old will officially join the Magpies after his 18th birthday in the summer of 2027 (on May 10th) and will remain with Independiente del Valle in the meantime.

Johan was part of the Independiente del Valle youth team who won the Ecuadorian U17 title in December 2025.

Internationally, he is currently starring for Ecuador in the South American U17 Championships and was on target in Sunday’s victory over Chile as they reached the semi-finals.

Ross Wilson, Newcastle United Sporting Director, said:

"We’re delighted to beat off serious competition from leading clubs across Europe to bring Johan to Newcastle United.

"Identifying and recruiting promising young players is a key part of how we build for the future, and our scouting and recruitment teams have worked diligently to secure Johan’s signature.

"Independiente del Valle have a strong reputation for developing young players and Johan has undoubtedly benefited from that environment.

"He will continue his progress there while we maintain a close connection with his development, and we look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle next year.”

2025/26:
Sean's show

Newcastle U21s  1  Wolves U21s  1


Match report

The Magpies will continue their season with a last 16 tie in the newly-established PDL play-offs, to be staged at some point over the weekend of Saturday April 25th.

Newcastle's opponents and the match venue are tbc, with main season PDL fixtures not concluding until April 21st.

Following the final games in PL2, United dropped to 21st.

Premier League:
Bad all over

Crystal Palace  2  Newcastle  1

Match report


Premier League:
Arsenal (a)

Saturday sees the Magpies face the Gunners at the Emirates. It's a 5.30pm kick-off live on Sky Sports.

Team:
Joelinton serves the second of his two match ban while Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are both injury doubts. Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain unavailable.

AFC: The Gunners have lost all of their last four domestic matches including back-to-back Premier League games - the latter for the first time since December 2023.

Referee: tbc

VAR:
tbc

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports

City centre bars with live TV coverage include:

The Dog & Parrot on Clayton Street West.
Dirty Murphy's on Grainger Street (formerly Mushroom).

The game will be on live at WonderBar in The Gate.

NORD VPN products protect and secure
your online activity.
here for fast
and secure sport streaming guidance.

Overseas TV: to follow
 
UK Radio:
Live on BBC Radio 5 Live

Rail: Engineering work south of Farringdon will affect Thameslink services.

Scheduled disruptions are online here

Underground/TfL:
The Piccadilly line between Cockfosters and Wood Green is closed on Saturday. details here

Metro: No scheduled disruptions.

Stats: 

Assuming they feature in this game, William Osula and Malick Thiaw will both complete a half century of appearances in all competitions for Newcastle.

Magpies @ Gunners - PL era:
(At Emirates since 2006/07)

2024/25
 Lost 0-1
2024/25 Won 2-0 Isak, Gordon (LC)
2023/24 Lost 1-4 Willock
2022/23 Drew 0-0
2021/22 Lost 0-2
2020/21 Lost 0-3
2020/21 Lost 0-2 (FAC)
2019/20 Lost 0-4
2018/19 Lost 0-2
2017/18 Lost 0-1
2015/16 Lost 0-1
2014/15 Lost 1-4 Perez
2013/14 Lost 0-3
2012/13 Lost 3-7 Ba 2, Marveaux
2011/12 Lost 1-2 Ben Arfa
2010/11 Won 1-0 Carroll
2008/09 Lost 0-3
2007/08 Lost 0-3
2007/08 Lost 0-3 (FAC)
2007/08 Lost 0-2 (LC)
2006/07 Drew 1-1 Dyer
2005/06 Lost 0-2
2004/05 Lost 0-1
2003/04 Lost 2-3 Robert, Bernard
2002/03 Lost 0-1
2001/02 Lost 0-3 (FAC)
2001/02 Won 3-1 O'Brien, Shearer, Robert
2000/01 Lost 0-5
1999/00 Drew 0-0
1998/99 Lost 0-3
1997/98 Lost 1-3 Barton
1996/97 Won 1-0 Elliott
1995/96 Lost 0-2 (LC)
1995/96 Lost 0-2
1994/95 Won 3-2 og(Keown), Beardsley, Fox
1993/94 Lost 1-2 Beardsley


Upcoming PL fixtures:

Tue 21.04.2026:
Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea (8pm) Sky

Wed 22.04.2026:
Bournemouth v Leeds United (8pm) Sky
Burnley v Manchester City (8pm)
Sky

Fri 24.04.2026:
mackems v Nottingham Forest (8pm) Sky

Sat 25.04.2026:
Fulham v Aston Villa (12.30pm) TNT
Liverpool v Crystal Palace (3pm)
West Ham v Everton (3pm)
Wolves v Spurs (3pm)
Arsenal v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky

Mon 27.04.2026:
Manchester United v Brentford (8pm) Sky




2025/26:
Senior Cup Final
date announced

 
Although Newcastle U21s didn't enter the competition this season, the Northumberland Senior Cup Final will once again be staged at St.James' Park.

The Northumberland FA confirm that the final will be a 7.30pm kick-off at Gallowgate on Tuesday May 5th.

Both Semi-finals are yet to be played, with cup holders Heaton Stannington attempting to defend their title:

Semi-finals:


15.04.2026 Heaton Stannington v Newcastle University
21.04.2026
Newcastle Benfield v Whitley Bay


 
Internationals:
England warm-ups

Ahead of their World Cup Final participation, England have confirmed a pair of kickabouts in the USA as follows:

Sat 06.06.2026 New Zealand (n) Tampa FR
Wed 10.06.2026 Costa Rica (n) Orlando FR


 






Privacy policy
 

 
alt



Tickets/Fixtures
Season 2025/26

NUFC ticketing website online here

NUFC Box Office: 

0344 372 1892 line manned:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm
Home games: 10am to 30 minutes from KO
Away games: Three hours from KO to KO


Milburn Stand Box Office manned:
Wednesdays only: 10am to 5pm
Home games: 10am to half time


2026/27 ST prices here

PL home ST limits:
ST left unused, limit is 5
ST sold/transferred limit is 10

SJP seating plan online here  


Away ticket
transfers are possible between 72 hours and five hours before kick-off (times may vary). A maximum of two are permitted per season (PL only).

Home ticket transfers are possible between three weeks and one hour before kick-off. 

More info online here

Away ticket info online here

ST holders have 24 hours to apply, 24 hours to determine success, 48 hours to buy.


Success is based on the loyalty point total calculated from applications received. Any applications from ST holders with less points are entered into a ballot, which will have taken place before tickets go on sale.

Regardless of the loyalty point level a game sells out at, to purchase a ticket you must have applied in the initial 24 hour window.

The initial purchase window is divided into two sections determined by a loyalty point division that alters for each game - those successful applicants above that point division usually get two hours head start.

NB: emails from NUFC confirming success may arrive after the purchase window opens - if you think you qualify due to your points total, log on and complete your purchase. 

Tickets not bought by successful applicants are then offered to unsuccessful applicants with a reduced loyalty points total - new applications cannot be made at this time.

Only those within the new loyalty point total are eligible to buy - even if you had more, your purchase window has already closed.  

PL away ticket prices will remain unchanged at £30 for both 2026/27 and 2027/28.

Fixtures:


Sat 25.04.2026 U18s v Wolves (h) @ Little Benton, 11am. U18 Premier League.

Sat 25.04.2026 Arsenal (a) @ Emirates Stadium, 5.30pm. Premier League.  
SOLD OUT. Allocation: 3,003 (digital tickets). Live on Sky Sports.

Sat 02.05.2026 U18s v Manchester United (h) @ Little Benton, 12.30pm. U18 Premier League.

Sat 02.05.2026 Brighton & Hove Albion (h) @ SJP, 3pm. Premier League. ST fwding /resale now. Member sale now. No live UK TV.

Tue 05.05.2026 U18s v Leeds United (h) @ Little Benton, Noon. U18 Premier League.

Sat 09.05.2026 U18s v Boro (a) @ Hurworth, 11am. U18 Premier League.

Sun 10.05.2026 Nottingham Forest (a) @ City Ground, 2pm. Premier League. Seat selections open (37-43 points), close Mon 20.04.2026, 9am. Allocation: 3,048 (digital tickets). Live on Sky Sports.

Sun 17.05.2026 tbc West Ham (h) @ SJP, 3pm tbc. Premier League. ST fwding/resale now. Member sale Mon 20.04.2026, 10am. UK TV coverage tbc (if any).

Sun 24.05.2026 Fulham (a) @ Craven Cottage, 4pm. Premier League. ST applications open Mon 20.04.2026, 2pm close Tue 21.04.2026, 2pm. Seat selections open Wed 22.04.2026, 2pm, close Fri 24.04.2026, 2pm. Allocation: 2,701 (digital tickets). UK TV coverage tbc (if any).

NUFC live on TV (all UK times):

Sat 25.04.2026
Arsenal (a) 5.30pm Sky
Sun 10.05.2026 Forest (a) 2pm Sky

(PL Selections made to Mon 11.05.2026)

Live PL TV release dates:  

MW37 after Sun 26.04.2026
MW38 after Sun 17.05.2026


Other events @ SJP:

Euro 2028:

Four group stage games and one last 16 tie will be played at SJP on the following dates:

Mon 12.06.2028
Thu 15.06.2028
Sat 17.06.2028
Tue 20.06.2028
Sun 25.06.2028

(Kick-off times will be advised in 2027)


2026/27 PL season:

Fri 19.06.2026
PL fixture release @ 10am
Sat 22.08.2026
Match Week 1
Sun 30.05.2027 Match Week 38

International Magpies
National Service

2025/26
:

11.06-19.07.2026 World Cup Finals

WCF groups - NUFC players in bold:
 
Group A
Mexico
South Africa
South Korea
Czech Rep
Group B
Canada
Bosnia-Herz
Qatar
Switzerland
Group C
Brazil
Morocco
Haiti
Scotland
Group D
USA
Paraguay
Australia
Turkey
Group E
Germany

Curacao
Ivory Coast
Ecuador
Group F
Netherlands
Japan
Tunisia
Sweden
Group G
Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand
Group H
Spain
Cape Verde
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Group I
France
Senegal
Iraq
Norway
Group J
Argentina
Algeria
Austria
Jordan
Group K
Portugal
DR Congo
Uzbekistan
Colombia
Group L
England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama

2026/27:
21.09-09.10.2026*
09.11-17.11.2026
22.03-30.03.2027

* the early September break is replaced by an extended late September/early October in which four internationals will be staged.
 

Coxy's Corner

Whoops, He did it Again...


What's this all about then? Click here  
for a rambling explanation of sorts....
 

On This Day in History
20th April


Born Or Died:

1890 Frank Hudspeth born, Percy Main. (1910-29)

Holder of the club’s all-time appearance record for an outfield player, United paid £100 to local amateur club North Shields Athletic for their left back  in March 1909. 

Gradually replacing Jack Carr and Tony Whiston over the following three seasons, Hudspeth became the bedrock of United's defence alongside Bill McCracken.

Working in a Tyneside munitions factory during WW1, Hudspeth also guested for the Leeds City club and served in the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman before returning to play for the Magpies in the Victory War League of 1918/19. 

That saw him renew the partnership with McCracken and the pair continued to good effect when league football resumed the following season, aided by their stifling but unpopular application of the offside rule.
 
In 1923/24 he captained the side for their Wembley debut in the FA Cup Final against Aston Villa, collecting the trophy after his side scored two late goals. 

An England call-up followed for Frank in October 1925 and he helped post a clean sheet against Northern Ireland in Belfast.

More silverware was to come Hudspeth’s way – but only after he relinquished the captaincy to Hughie Gallacher in 1926. 

Undeterred, he was an ever-present in the title winning season, forming another solid defensive partnership with Alf Maitland.

Continuing to feature in the first team until September 1928, Frank finally lost his place after a 0-5 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

His final six games that season brought him three more goals - including two of his trademark blockbuster penalty conversions.

Leaving SJP in 1929, Frank played for Stockport County and Crook Town before hanging up his boots in summer 1931.

Two years later he was appointed Rochdale trainer, moving on to a similar position at nearby Burnley in 1934 - eventually retiring in 1945.

Frank remained in Burnley until his death, in February 1963.

1942 James Wilson born, Newmilns, Scotland. (1959-62)

Outside left who was signed from Shotts Bon Accord for £750 in September 1959.

Making his first team debut the following October in a 5-0 home win over Cardiff City, Jimmy played just once more in what became a relegation season.

Used more in the following campaign when, selected by new boss Norman Smith in preference to Liam Tuohy, Wilson then lost his place and exited from SJP in favour of Greenock Morton in 1962.

Aberdeen then paid £10,000 to secure him in 1965 and he was selected in a Scottish League XI against their English counterparts two years later.

Later serving Motherwell, Dundee and Falkirk, Jimmy ended his career at Elgin City. He later managed Highland League sides Keith and Cove Rangers and ran a pub in Aberdeen named after himself.

Jimmy maintained his Pittdorie associations by working as a corporate matchday host for Dons home games and being involved with the Aberdeen ex-players association.

1976 Shay Given born, Lifford, Ireland. (1997-2009).

 

United boss Kenny Dalglish went back to his former club Blackburn Rovers in May 1997 to sign Shay Given at a cost of £1.5m - having previously brought the teenage 'keeper from Celtic Park to Ewood in 1994.

Having played just twice in the Rovers first team when deputising for Tim Flowers, Given had been out on loan at both Swindon Town and the mackems (who were allegedly unable to fund a permanent transfer).

His arrival at SJP saw him tussle with Steve Harper for the goalkeeper's jersey, taking possession by the 2000/01 season, after withdrawing a transfer request.

Shay began a run of 140 consecutive league appearances away at Leeds in January 2001 – broken in October 2004 when his wife gave birth and Harper deputised at Bolton.  

By the end of the 2006/07 season, Given had risen to sixth in our all-time appearance table and captained the side.

However, he had also belied his “Lazarus” nickname by missing a number of games throughout the season through injury.

A sickening collision with Marlon Harewood at West Ham in September 2006 left Given with abdominal injuries likened by his surgeon to those suffered in car crashes.

The subject of many transfer rumours over the years (often linked to Arsenal), Shay eventually left SJP in January 2009, with
Manchester City reportedly paying £8m.

While there was sadness at his leaving, there had been a certain air of inevitability about it. In later years, Given had regularly spoken of the need for the club to invest properly in the squad - but to no avail.

Shay's final United appearance was a 0-3 reverse at Blackburn that ended in him preventing an onfield clash between team mates Joey Barton and Jose Enrique.

He then exited the field without the usual acknowledgement of the Toon fans, which prompted us to write that:

"If he'd finally reached the point of no return with this bloody cowboy outfit, then we couldn't blame him."

His departure from United left him third in the all time club appearance list, having played 463 games in all competitions (including one substitute outing).

The grass at Manchester City didn't however prove to be green, Given losing his place in April 2010 when dislocating a shoulder.

Restricted to occasional cup duty (including a non-playing substitute role in the FA Cup Final win over Stoke City), a £3.5m move to Aston Villa was concluded in July 2011.

After just one season as their first-choice custodian though, he was usurped by Brad Guzan and restricted to cup appearances.

A loan to Middlesbrough in November 2013 saw Shay complete the set of Tyne, wear and tees appearances, but he remained out of the first team picture following his return to Villa in February 2014.

Given did unexpectedly join Paul Lambert's coaching staff following some backroom sackings at Villa Park in April 2014 and returned to the first team for cup ties.

Helping Villa to a 2-1 win over Liverpool in an FA Cup Semi-Final the day before he turned 39 in April 2015, his next stop was Stoke City and after debuting in the League Cup, his Premier League bow came against Spurs in the week of his 40th birthday.

Leaving in June 2017, Shay worked as a TV pundit and his autobiography "Any Given Saturday" was published soon after. 

Announcing his retirement on his 42nd birthday in 2018,  he was appointed as goalkeeping coach of Derby County soon after by incoming Rams boss, Frank Lampard.

Given subsequently remained at Derby to work with Phillip Cocu and Wayne Rooney - becoming first team coach with the latter in early 2021 but leaving that summer due to financial issues. 

Working in the media, the post-Ashley era saw him become a perennial pundit when Newcastle featured live on UK TV, also appearing on overseas PL coverage and as a club ambassador.

Internationally, Shay became the Republic of Ireland's most-capped player of all time in March 2010 when he made his 103rd senior appearance against Brazil.

Given announced his international retirement in August 2012 but then reversed that decision in January 2013, partly due to a lack of game time at Villa.

Belatedly recalled by Martin O'Neill in 2014, Given added a further nine caps to his tally before his 134th and final outing, a friendly against Belarus in Cork during May 2016.

On the bench at Euro 2016 without featuring in any games, he announced his retirement once again afterwards.

PS: no profile of Shay would be complete without mentioning the events of Saturday 8th November 1997 at Highfield Road.

In an initially innocuous piece of play, Given claimed possession of the ball on the edge of his six yard box and threw the ball down in preparation for clearing it downfield.

However, as was later written by numerous reporters, he was "the only Irishman who didn’t know where Dublin was" – City striker Dion Dublin appearing from behind him and scoring a perfectly legitimate goal by tapping the loose ball into the United net.
 


 

What Else?

1895 St. James' Park hosted a match between two teams of "lady footballers" which attracted a crowd of 8,000.

The Reds beat the Blues 4-3, with The Shields Daily News reporting that both sides were, "tastefully dressed in the regulation football costume" and "their play was of the gentlest order and if not sufficiently lively to rouse the onlookers' enthusiasm, was diverting enough to supply plenty of fun".

1896 Burslem Port Vale (a)
0-2 
(0-0)
Division Two
34pts, 5th/16

J.Mason(
0-1), Randles(80)
2,000
Newcastle's season ended on a Monday night in the Potteries, the game at Cobridge Stadium finishing in near darkness.

United had two goals disallowed before the hosts went ahead, but despite the defeat finished fifth in the league - five places better than in the previous season.

1897 St.Mirren (Scotland)(h)
3-0 
(2-0)
Friendly 
Stewart(
1-0), Smellie(2-0), Aitken(3-0
2,000
Appearing for St.Mirren was Tommy Ghee, who signed for Newcastle later that year.

This was second of five post-season home friendlies against Scottish opposition, Hearts, Hibernian, Rangers and Third Lanark also making their way to Tyneside.

Team: Watts, Stewart, White, Adam, Ostler, Stott, Lennox, Connell, Smellie, Aitken, Wardrope.

1898 Stoke (h)
2-1 
(1-0)
League Test 
Smith(25), Harvey(82

Kennedy(84)
17,000
Finishing runners-up in the Second Division saw United enter a playoff competition, which got off to a winning start against a Stoke side who had finished bottom of Division One.

United ended up finishing third in a four team mini league but were still promoted after a rethink by the Football League saw the test match system scrapped.

Instead, Division One expanded from 16 to 18 teams - United and Burnley taking up the extra spots while Stoke and Blackburn Rovers were spared relegation.

1901 Manchester City (a)
1-2 
(1-1)
Division One 
P32, 37pts, 6th/18
Peddie(35) 
Gillespie(15,46
)
18,000
Newcastle ran out at Hyde Road knowing that victory coupled with favourable results elsewhere could yet propel them to the title. 

However a poor display in front of goal saw them beaten for the first time in five outings, ending any lingering championship hopes.

The visitors were represented in the crowd, "Philistine" in Athletic News observing that:

"I wanted United to get a second goal if only to see the score or so of plaid-capped enthusiasts from Newcastle carry on like demented beings...but I can't say that I appreciate their melodious playing or the instruments they use to create sweet sounds."

1907 Bolton Wanderers (a)
2-4 
(2-2)
Division One
51pts, 1st/20 
Orr(1-1), Veitch(20) 
White(4), Marsh(
1-2,1-4), Gaskell(60)
5,000 
Having ensured their title success thanks to a 0-0 home draw with Sheffield United a week earlier, Newcastle rounded off the season with a defeat at Burnden Park.

Both Peter McWilliam and Jackie Rutherford were omitted while there was a debut for half back George Jobey, signed from Morpeth Harriers for the princely sum of £10.

1908 Middlesbrough (a)
1-2 
(1-0)
Division One 
42pts, 4th/20
Higgins(15) 
Thackeray(61), Bloomer(66
)
20,000
Defeat at Ayresome Park in the season closer saw Newcastle drop from second to fourth in the table.

The winning goal was credited to Steve Bloomer but United's John Carr got the final touch.

1912 Aston Villa (a)
0-2 
(0-0)
Division One 
P37, 43pts, 2nd/22
Hampton(84), Hall(89
)
20,000
Newcastle's faint hopes of winning the title were finally ended by two late goals at Villa Park.

Donations were invited from spectators to a collection for victims of the Titanic and the entire crowd stood before kickoff as a band played Handel's Dead March from Saul.

1921 Middlesbrough (a)
1-2 
(0-0)
Friendly 
King(70)
G.Carr(60,1-2)
12,000
United were beaten at Ayresome Park in their Northern Victory Cup semi-final fixture.

Team: Lawrence, McCracken, Russell, McIntosh, Mooney, Curry, Pyke, King, Smailes, Hagan, McDonald.

1929 Sheffield Wednesday (h) 2-1 (2-0)
Division One 
P40, 40pts, 10th/22
Gallacher (2pen,29) 
Allen(67)
26,401
Victory would have confirmed the visitors as First Division champions, but after conceding twice to Hughie Gallacher during the opening half hour, they were only able to halve the deficit through future Magpie Jack Allen.  

Despite losing, the Owls held on to win the league by a point from Leicester City - the Magpies finished back in tenth. 

1935 Bolton Wanderers (h)
1-3 
(1-1)
Division Two 
P40, 46pts, 6th/22
Leach(1)
Westwood(20,60), Milsom(49)
28,277
A perfect start for United turned into a nightmare when goalkeeper Norman Tapken broke a finger and was unable to continue.

Joe Richardson went between the posts but was soon picking the ball out of the net as the Trotters levelled and went on to win. 

1935 Just 24 hours after beating Blackpool 6-0 at Gallowgate in the Central League, Newcastle Reserves were on the wrong end of a 0-2 scoreline to Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Team: Burns, Nelson, Russell, Hughes, Davidson, Garnham, Boyd, Wilson, Cairns, Connelly, Harris.

1955 Preston North End 
(h) 3-3 
(2-2)
Division One 
P38, 39pts, 11th/22
Hannah(9), Milburn(45), Davies(57)
Higham(22,38), Baxter(81)
38,681
Having come from 1-2 down to lead thanks to a Reg Davies strike, United had to settle for a point when goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson took down a cross - only to drop it at the feet of Jimmy Baxter who touched the ball over the line.

1955 Newcastle pair Alf McMichael and Tommy Casey appeared for Northern Ireland as a John Charles hat trick gave Wales a 3-2 victory at Windsor Park, Belfast. 

In the Wales team was future Magpie Ivor Allchurch, alongside his brother Len.

1957 Aston Villa (h)
1-2 
(1-0)
Division One 
P41, 36pts, 12th/22
Mitchell(18) 
Sewell(70
), McParland(72)
28,453
24 hours after losing 1-2 at home to Chelsea, United were left empty-handed in front of their own fans once again.

1962 Derby County (h)
3-0 
(2-0)
Division Two 
P39, 37pts, 11th/22
Thomas(17), Hale(30), Fell(76pen)
33,138
Match referee Jack Bullough was forced to take the players off in the 37th minute after a freak hail and lightning storm hit Gallowgate.

The game resumed four minutes later and ended with the black and whites claiming their fourth successive home victory.

1963 Bury (h)
1-3 
(0-1)
Division Two 
P36, 40pts, 8th/22
McGarry(
46) 
Calder(28,67,81)
25,017
Ex-Magpie goalkeeper Chris Harker had a happy return to SJP, as fellow Shaker Bill Calder scored three and had another ruled out for offside.

 
 
1966 Blackpool (a)
1-1 
(1-0)
Division One 
P38, 34pts, 14th/22
Suddick(12) 
Charnley(56)
12,446
One shot on goal was enough to win United a point that left them safe from relegation.
 
1968 Fulham (a)
0-2 
(0-2)
Division One 
P39, 41pts, 8th/22
Clarke(10,30)
14,670
Eric Ross made his league bow as a blue clad United lost at Craven Cottage.
 
 
 
1974 Birmingham City (h)
1-1 
(1-1)
Division One 
P40, 37pts, 14th/22
Robson(27) 
Francis(44)
34,066
 
1981 Grimsby Town (h) 1-1 
(0-1)
Division Two 
P40, 40pts, 11th/22
Shoulder(78)

Ford(44)
13,170
 
 
 
1983 Rotherham United (h)
4-0 
(2-0)
Division Two 
P37, 57pts, 5th/22
McDermott(32), Varadi(43), Wharton(52), Keegan(70)
18,523
 
1984 Blackburn Rovers (a) 1-1 (0-0)
Division Two 
P37, 70pts, 3rd/22
Trewick(74)
Fazackerley(48pen)
19,196
Familiar faces all round at Ewood Park for this Good Friday clash; former Magpie Glen Keeley tumbling under a challenge from Glenn Roeder to win the penalty that future United coach Derek Fazackerley netted. 

John Trewick then levelled to the delight of 10,000 away fans, taking a valuable point off a Rovers side managed by Bobby Saxton - who would himself later end up at SJP.

1985 Liverpool (a)
1-3 
(0-0)
Division One 
P38, 45pts, 14th/22
McDonald(81)
Wark(57) Gillespie(69), Walsh(80)
34,733 
Joe Fagan's side remained in fourth position after John Wark, Gary Gillespie and Paul Walsh all beat Martin Thomas during the second half.

United managed a late consolation when Neil McDonald latched on to Chris Waddle's centre from the left flank and beat Bruce Grobbelaar from close range in front of the Kop - our first Anfield goal in six league and cup visits.
Youtube footage is online here

1987 Everton (a)
0-3 
(0-0)
Division One 
P38, 43pts, 17th/22
McDonald(90)
Clarke(49,82,90)
43,576 
A painful Easter Monday afternoon at Goodison Park saw Wayne Clarke hit a hat-trick for a Toffees side who were en route to becoming Division One champions.

Willie Mcaul gave a debut at let back to Brian Tinnion, while right back Neil McDonald was sent off by the referee for foul and abusive language following Everton's third goal.
Youtube footage is online here

1991 Ipswich Town (h)
2-2 
(1-2)
Division Two
P41, 56pts, 12th/24 
Stimson(24), Quinn(73)
Kiwomya(33,45) 
17,638
A fourth successive home game in just 11 days for United saw them remain unbeaten after drawing with Oxford United and beating Oldham and Sheffield Wednesday.

Ahead when Mark Stimson stabbed home Steve Watson's centre, United went behind before recovering to take a point when Mick Quinn ensured that Lee Clark's goalbound effort made it to the back of the Leazes net.
Youtube footage is online here

1992 Derby County (a)
1-4 
(0-2)
Division Two
P44, 46pts, 22nd/24 
Peacock(49)
Williams(4pen), Kitson(19),
Ramage(70,77)

21,363
An Easter Monday disaster, as referee Brian Coddington dismissed Kevin Brock, Kevin Scott and Liam O'Brien and banished coach Terry McDermott from the bench as United were left in a relegation position with only two games left.

Paul Williams gave the Rams an early lead from the penalty spot, with future Magpie Paul Kitson doubling the lead before half time.

A second half onslaught from nine-man United - backed by frenetic support - saw Gavin Peacock hit the bar and then pull one back after 49 minutes.

Dreams faded with 20 minutes remaining though when Craig Ramage got Derby's third and within two minutes Liam O'Brien had walked, reducing us to eight men.

Ramage then claimed a fourth and United fans ripped seats out of the Osmaston Stand and frisbeed them on to the field, before trouble flared outside the Baseball Ground.
Youtube footage is online here


"rip the seats out for the lads..."

1994 After finally becoming a first choice for United, defender Alan Neilson made his senior Welsh debut against Sweden.

2002 Charlton Athletic (h)
3-0
(1-0)
Premiership

Speed(22), LuaLua(46), Shearer(89)
51,360
Alan Shearer got his long -awaited 200th Premiership goal on his 400th club start. His late strike to beat Dean Kiely at the Gallowgate End also brought up a century of first team goals for the season.
NUFC.com match report
PL highlights  


LuaLua celebrates in typical fashion...

2005 Norwich City (a)
1-2
(0-0)
Premiership
Kluivert(90)
Safri(68), Ashton(90+4)

25,503
After successive 1-4 losses at Sporting Lisbon (Thursday) and against Manchester United at Cardiff (Sunday), a weary squad and support moved on to Carrow Road for this Wednesday night game.

Patrick Kluivert's late effort looked to have won a point and stopped the rot, only for Dean Ashton to head home deep into added time and give City what turned out to be false hope of avoiding relegation.
NUFC.com match report

PL highlights

2008 mackems (h)
2-0
(2-0)
Premier League
Owen(4,45pen)
52,305

United made it six games without loss and five wins in a row against our rivals.

One of the easiest victories Kevin Keegan presided over saw Roy Keane's awful side and their meek followers dispatched by two first half Michael Owen goals.

After the victory, KK commented:

"I don't care what anybody says, you can go around the world twice if you like and you would not get an atmosphere like that anywhere else."
NUFC.com match report

PL highlights

2010
0-1 down early on, the reserves recovered to post their biggest win of the season, beating Huddersfield Town 5-1 at Whitley Park.

Haris Vuckic, Paul Dummett, Wesley Ngo Baheng, Callum Morris and Phil Airey netted.
NUFC.com match report


2011 Goals from Brad Inman and Michael Richardson beat Ashington 2-0 at Whitley Park as the reserves booked a place in the Northumberland Senior Cup Final.
NUFC.com match report


2013 West Bromwich Albion (a) 1-1 (1-0)
Premier League
Gouffran(8)
Jones(64)
25,671

United halted a losing run of four away games with a point at The Hawthorns - but Yoan Gouffran's opener wasn't a true reflection of their first half dominance. 

Baggies boss Steve Clarke paired Shane Long and Romelu Lukaku, but Newcastle' ineptness was as much to blame as Albion's increased efforts for the outcome.

NUFC.com match report
PL highlights

2015 Adam Armstrong netted a goal in each half to end a twelve match winless run for the reserves, beating Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.
NUFC.com match report

2018 A deserved 2-0 win for United U23s at SJP ended the title hopes of visitors Aston Villa.  Luke Charman and Jack Hunter were on target.
NUFC.com match report

 

2019 Southampton (h)
3-1
(2-0)
Premier League
P35, 41pts, 12th/20
Perez(27,31,86)
Lemina(59)
52,191
Ayoze Perez scored his first hat-trick for United to banish any lingering doubts about retaining Premier League status.

The Spaniard left with the match ball and a thoroughly deserved man of the match award after his treble put United ten points clear of Cardiff City with four games remaining.
NUFC.com match report

PL highlights

2022 Crystal Palace (h)
1-0
(1-0)
Premier League
P33, 40pts, 11th/20
Almiron(32)
51,938
Miguel Almiron's spectacular strike and some steadfast defending gave United a sixth successive league win at SJP - the best run of home league form in the top flight since Bobby Robson's side in 2004.
NUFC.com match report

PL highlights